I am an environmental social scientist trained in geography, political science, global environmental politics, and economics. My research aims to build and test theories of how and why agriculture develops, how environmental policymakers can steer a smarter course, and why policies make and miss their marks. I study not only farms, but also how they link to industry, urban areas, and the use of natural resources through supply chains, new biomaterials, employment, and the production of environmental services. Entitled “Reducing Agricultural Causes of Deforestation in Brazil,” my dissertation examines the potential for interventions that accelerate agricultural yields to reduce rates of deforestation in Brazil. You can learn more about my research here.